Colorado college student arrested in alleged murder-for-hire plot
A student attending a college in southwestern Colorado has been arrested and now faces felony charges in connection with an alleged murder-for-hire plot targeting another student.
Jackson Keller, 19, a student at Fort Lewis College in Durango, was arrested late last week and booked into the La Plata County Jail. He faces charges of criminal solicitation for first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a weapon on college grounds.
"Fort Lewis College Police Department and the Colorado Bureau of Investigation confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the campus community related to this incident," CBI said in a statement on Monday.
Few details about the alleged plot were immediately available, but CBI said its investigation began Jan. 28 and Keller was arrested the following day, after investigators uncovered evidence suggesting the suspect allegedly tried to pay two students to kill another student.
Court records show Keller was released on a $50,000 cash or surety bond. He's due back in La Plata County Court on Monday afternoon for another bond hearing. A mandatory protection order was granted against Keller, prohibiting him from going near or contacting the alleged victim.
A voicemail was left for his attorney seeking comment on Monday.
Court records show no criminal history for Keller in Colorado, and just a previous traffic ticket in Florida.
A school spokeswoman confirmed that Keller is a member of the school's football team. The team's website lists him as a freshman linebacker originally from Tampa, Florida.
"The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is a top priority at Fort Lewis College. The Fort Lewis College Police Department acted quickly and in collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of our students and our campus," the spokeswoman said. "FLC's prompt response demonstrates the strength of our campus safety protocols and partnerships. We remain committed to transparency, due process, and providing a safe learning environment for our community."
She said school officials won't comment further on the ongoing investigation.
